Auto accidents can happen when individuals least expect them. Everyday activities like driving home from work, running errands, or picking up children can be disrupted by unexpected accidents, often caused by another individual’s negligence.
Many Auto-Related Accidents Happen Close to Home
Most auto accidents occur within 10 miles of home. Moreover, residential areas may have high traffic volume during certain hours (school drop-offs or the end of the workday rush hour), and high traffic density increases the likelihood of interactions between cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Similarly, drivers are more distracted on familiar routes. Recurring landmarks, turn lanes, and intersections may cause drivers to become less aware of their surroundings. Therefore, being vigilant when operating a motor vehicle is good practice.
Intersections and High-Traffic Areas are Contributing Factors
Intersections and high-traffic areas present significant risk factors for automobile collisions. Statistical evidence shows that approximately half of all traffic injuries and a quarter of traffic fatalities occur at intersections, making these junctions particularly hazardous for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
High-traffic corridors compound these dangers due to increased vehicle density and frequent lane changes. Areas experiencing congestion see higher rear-end collisions and sideswipe incidents, particularly during peak commuting hours.
The risk intensifies in locations with:
- Poor visibility or inadequate signage
- Complex traffic patterns or multiple turning lanes
- Construction zones with altered traffic flow
- Reduced lighting conditions
- Adverse weather affecting road surfaces
Drivers should exercise heightened caution when navigating these areas, maintaining an appropriate following distance and reducing speed to accommodate the increased complexity of the driving environment.
Types of Auto Crashes in Virginia Beach
According to the City of Virginia Beach Local Road Safety Action Plan, the most common crash type among the fatal and serious injury crashes reported in the five years studied were angle crashes, which accounted for approximately 36% of all fatal and serious injury crashes in the city.
Fixed object, off-road crashes (16%), rear-end crashes (13%), and pedestrian crashes (12%) were the following most common crash types in the fatal and serious injury category. The table below summarizes the fatal and serious injury crashes reported during the analysis period by crash type.
Fatal and Serious Injury Crash Type by Year, 2018-2022
| Crash Type | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angle | 64 | 45 | 65 | 75 | 61 | 310 |
| Fixed Object – Off Road | 19 | 19 | 26 | 33 | 41 | 138 |
| Rear End | 24 | 26 | 21 | 13 | 28 | 112 |
| Pedestrian | 17 | 19 | 20 | 30 | 19 | 105 |
| Head On | 11 | 14 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 57 |
| Other | 12 | 6 | 13 | 8 | 12 | 51 |
| Non-Collision | 4 | 6 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 43 |
| Sideswipe – Same Direction | 6 | 4 | 10 | 5 | 4 | 29 |
| Fixed Object in Road | 4 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 11 |
| Sideswipe – Opposite Direction | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Deer | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Backed Into | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 161 | 141 | 180 | 191 | 188 | 861 |
Note: A ‘non-collision’ crash event did not involve a collision. For example, this includes overturn/rollover, fire/explosion, immersion, jackknife, cargo/equipment loss or shift, equipment failure, separation of units, ran off the roadway, cross median, cross centerline, downhill runaway, fell/jumped from motor vehicle, thrown or falling objects.
Virginia Beach High-Risk Intersection Monitoring
Every year, Virginia Beach officials track dangerous road locations throughout the city. They focus on problem intersections with traffic signals and concerning road segments in both town and rural areas.
The city selects priority intersections using three main factors:
- How dangerous the intersection ranks compared to others
- How many years the intersection has remained on the high-risk list
- Whether the intersection lacks any scheduled safety upgrades
The most critical intersections requiring immediate safety improvements appear in the list below.
HOLLAND ROAD AND ROSEMONT ROAD
| Total Crashes: | 127 | Fatal Crashes: | 0 | Serious Injury Crashes: | 2 |
| Common Crash Types: | Angle (50%), Rear End (36%) | ||||
BIRDNECK ROAD AND VIRGINIA BEACH BOULEVARD
| Total Crashes: | 80 | Fatal Crashes: | 0 | Serious Injury Crashes: | 2 |
| Common Crash Types: | Angle (71%), Rear End (18%) | ||||
NEWTOWN ROAD AND BAKER ROAD
| Total Crashes: | 100 | Fatal Crashes: | 1 | Serious Injury Crashes: | 4 |
| Common Crash Types: | Angle (61%), Rear End (22%) | ||||
LYNNHAVEN PARKWAY AND SALEM ROAD
| Total Crashes: | 58 | Fatal Crashes: | 0 | Serious Injury Crashes: | 0 |
| Common Crash Types: | Angle (48%), Rear End (36%) | ||||
FERRELL PARKWAY AND PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD
| Total Crashes: | 64 | Fatal Crashes: | 0 | Serious Injury Crashes: | 2 |
| Common Crash Types: | Angle (44%), Rear End (39%) | ||||
Impaired Driving Auto Crashes in Virginia Beach
What is Impaired Driving?
Impaired driving happens when a driver operates a vehicle while:
- Drowsy or fatigued
- Under the influence of alcohol
- Under the influence of drugs
- Distracted driving (such as by phone use or other activities)
Recent Statistics
In the past five years, impaired driving caused 6,817 crashes in Virginia Beach. These crashes resulted in more deaths and serious injuries than any other type of accident.
Types of Impairment
Breaking down these impaired driving crashes:
- 66% involved distracted driving (using phones, eating, etc.)
- 25% involved alcohol use
- 5% involved drowsy driving
- 3% involved drug use
These numbers show that distracted driving is the most common form of impairment, but all types create serious dangers on Virginia Beach roads.
Why Choose Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC
Our Commitment
Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC has decades of experience handling auto accident injury cases throughout Virginia Beach. The firm stands firmly committed to protecting the rights of our clients, advancing their interests, and working persistently to secure full and fair compensation.
Our Experience
The legal team at Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC handles a comprehensive range of accident cases including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Wrongful death claims
Our History
Since 1955, Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC has provided dedicated legal representation to Virginia residents. This long-standing commitment to the community demonstrates both reliability and proven results.
Take Action
Contact Preston, Wilson & Crandley, PLC today to arrange a case evaluation. The firm offers personalized attention to each situation and stands ready to put our extensive legal experience to work for accident victims throughout Virginia Beach.
Call (757) 486-2700 schedule a consultation.